u/Fantastic-Tower-3313

To Comet Falls:
Round trip-about 3.6 miles
Elevation gain-about 1000 feet

To Van Trump Park end of trail sign: 
Round Trip- 5.2 miles
Elevation gain-2200 feet

Note: Numbers here are approximate. Signs and maps, including those posted at the trailhead and at the Van Trump Trail junction, disagree on the milage for this hike. I used the Green Trails mileage, which is different than NPS and National Geographic, and even one of the hiking books I have. It seemed the most accurate based on my observations along the trail. Elevation gain from various sources seems accurate, though.

Sorry, no handmade map for this one...it's so straightforward, there is no need.

The parking area for the Comet Falls/Van Trump trail is frustrating, to say the least, since it fills up so quickly. There are a few alternate parking areas, but they involve walking the Paradise Road for at least a small distance, which isn’t particularly safe. The best alternative is probably parking at Christine Falls and walking westbound along the road. 

Once on the trail, be prepared for an almost non-stop uphill hike all the way to the falls and Van Trump Park. There are a few breaks in the slant near Bloucher Falls and the first viewpoint of Comet Falls. The trail alternates between rocks and roots, sometimes both at the same time, which makes this one of the more difficult trail beds to deal with in the entire park.

The trail goes east to a crossing of Van Trump Creek over the top of Christine Falls. Look down to the Paradise Road. Look upstream to see an invigorating stairstep waterfall! The trail turns north, toward Mount Rainier, just beyond the crossing. From there, the trail is never far from Van Trump Creek and its multiple waterfalls. The trail trades off time between forest cover and large rockfalls. All the way the trail uses switchbacks to achieve elevation gain. 

While the sound of the creek is delightful, the first half of the trail to Van Trump park is fairly boring. At about halfway, the trail uses a long staircase to overcome a long ago washout. In this area watch for obscured views of Mount Rainier that could help you make a decision on whether to continue to Van Trump Park or not (don’t bother if Mount Rainier is not visible!). Not far beyond, the route switchbacks through the biggest rockfall area along the trail, which is a good place to watch for small animals. Just after the rockfall, the trail reaches the crossing of Van Trump Creek, and the previously-mentioned view of Bloucher Falls. The trail toughly pulls out of the creek bed and opens up to a ravishing view of Comet Falls, including two smaller tumbles below the giant drop. Take some time here before continuing steeply along the sketchy trail to the upper viewpoints.

After taking in all the views of Comet Falls, including a side trail to the base of the falls, the trail reenters full forest cover. The first long switchback continues the trend of the earlier trail, it’s rough and steep in places. After this stretch, the trail gets steeper, but the trail quality improves significantly. The portion of the trail bed from here to the Van Trump junction is probably of the best of the whole route, which makes the steepness much more friendly.

Views eventually open up to the south, with views of St. Helens and Adams. After the views, it’s not too far until a junction suddenly appears along a flat portion of the trail. The “straight” portion of the trail heads toward Mildred Point, and, eventually, the Rampart Ridge Trail. If heading that way, the trail drops to the creek that feeds Comet Falls, then up steeply the rest of the way to Mildred.

For the Van Trump Trail, turn right and continue north, facing Mount Rainier. Soon, peeks of the mountain’s top become visible.  The trail starts out fairly easy going, but soon becomes steep and difficult. Previously-built erosion steps have, well, eroded, making the trail more difficult. Take it easy and remember the care that will need to be taken on the downhill trip. An unmarked junction comes and presents a choice. The left trail goes, in short order, to a viewpoint over a branch of Van Trump Creek with views of Mount Rainier. The view isn’t the best, but is significantly easier to access than continuing to the end of the trail.

To continue, return to the junction and take the right branch (now on your left) and climb to the end of the maintained trail. Nothing much to see at that point, so plan to continue on, beyond the sign, to where the views really open up. The only thing to say about the signed end of the trail is that it’s the best place to find a rock and relax. Once in the clearing beyond the sign, trace the glaciers of Mount Rainier and notice the “cleavers” that separate the glaciers. The trail continues further, but goes steeply uphill after a slight downhill dip. It may be worth exploring if you aren’t exhausted and time isn’t an issue, but the views from the open meadow will probably exceed expectations. 

Commentary: As with the Rampart Ridge Trail, I don't like the trail to Comet Falls. Not because the falls are disappointing, because it's arguably the best waterfall in the park, but the trail is in rough shape! Prepare to make your way across roots for significant portions of the trail. Take those roots, and the significant elevation gain over a short distance, and that drops this trail down from "favorite" to "memory." 

Took the steep hike to Van Trump Park, passing Comet Falls along the way.

They have really given this location a makeover. Yes, it still looks like a Rite Aid, but they remodeled the pharmacy and painted the front of the store.

Still have the Rite Aid wood paneling and floor tiles!

Union Gap, Washington

Now the Modoc Family Pharmacy.

Also the only Rite Aid "saved" as a pharmacy in California.

The cashier (manager?) indicated they were adding more and improving what they have. Liquor application on the front door. Just added hand dip ice cream.

Photos from August 14th, 2026

A relatively easy trail visiting a series of lakes in the Sierra Nevada Range. Excellent views and unique rock formations added to the experience.

I needed a view hike today and found one at Camp Sacramento. The trail was a little rugged and hard to follow in places (thanks to the forest fire in 2021), but I made it a little more than a mile to the top.

So. Many. Clothes. Other stuff, too, but the men's department is huge! I didn't go downstairs since I'm not in the market for appliances. I live in Washington, but made a special stop while on vacation. Found some good (enough) deals and ended up with a large bag full!

Took a drive up the Warner Valley on August 10th to check this one off my list. It's no Bumpass Hell, but it was beautiful. The best part: I had the whole area to myself.

I saw no one on the trail during the hike it was great. Completely dead on a saturday evening 7pm-9:30pm

Views wise this trail isnt nearly as good as skyline but it was still a killer exercise and it was very shaded being in the forest mostly so I didnt need sunscreen, only bug spray. But I do appreciate it not being full of tourists, I got a real wilderness experience doing this one

It was busy, but manageable, at Ape Cave on Friday. The parking lot wasn't packed, but there were many large groups visiting the cave.

Timed entry reservation is still required and the cave closes at 5 p.m.

Took the short trip down to the Meatball in the lower cave, then went a short distance into the upper cave to check out the big room near the huge rockfall.

As I am sure almost everyone knows by now, the White River Entrance is closed due to a wildfire near Scarface Mountain, not too far from Grand Park. For hikers looking for alternative day hikes, both inside and outside the park, here is a list:

**Outside the park boundary**

*Suntop Lookout

Greenwater Lakes (option to extend to Lost Lake)

*Pyramid Peak (near Naches Pass)

*Kelly Butte Lookout

*Colquhoun Peak

*Noble Knob from Dalles Ridge Trailhead or Corral Pass Trailhead (option to extend to Lake George)

*Mount Rainier View from Corral Pass Trailhead (option to extend to Castle Mountain)

Sheep Lake, Sourdough Gap, *Upper Crystal Lake via Pacific Crest Trail

*Dalles Ridge from Highway 410 or Camp Sheppard

A variety of trail options near Crystal Mountain Resort

**Inside the park boundary**

*Naches Peak Loop (option to extend to Dewey Lakes)

Eastside Trail (various trailheads)

Owyhigh Lakes (from Highway 123)

*Shriner Peak

Crystal Lakes/*Crystal Peak

Many of these hikes have detailed posts within r/mountrainierhiking, which is searchable.

* = potential Mount Rainier view

Photo from above Upper Crystal Lake, near Sourdough Gap, on July 4, 2023

The views, in spite of the smoke, were stupendous.

A trek to Dege Peak might be the easiest hike to describe in the park. Be prepared for stunning views in all directions after the steep hike. Sometimes when I get to the top I am all alone (which is the best!) but other times the summit is crowded. Fortunately, there are many options for open views of Mount Rainier along the trail, so visitors don't necessarily have to spend time at the top to take in the surroundings.

Dege Peak is a classic destination from either Sunrise or Sunrise Point. Although it's 300 feet more elevation gain to access Dege Peak from Sunrise Point, I prefer that starting point for a few reasons. First, the hike is shorter. Second, parking is easy at Sunrise Point. Finally, the traffic on the Sourdough Ridge Trail from Sunrise Point is light, to say the least, and that's always a preference.

Find the Dege Peak Trail across the Sunrise Road from the west end of the Sunrise Point parking lot. The other trailhead, for the Palisades Trail, is on the east side of the lot. Start off going uphill at a moderate pitch. After less than a 1/4 mile, the trail levels out for about 1/4 mile before starting a steep uphill climb with views mostly east and north. It's easy to see the route ahead in addition to the goal, Dege Peak, which towers over the valley.

The steep climb might be frustrating, but the views offer a chance to catch bears and goats in action, maybe. Also, looking far, it's easy to see Clover Lake, along the Palisades Trail, and other sights along the White River Valley.

Eventually the trail tops out, sort of, and then starts a straight shot on the south side of Sourdough Ridge. Now, views open up to the south, southeast, and west. Governors Ridge, Tamanos Mountain, and the Cowlitz Chimneys are prominent. Mount Adams is also visible and, if traveling at sunset, will show color well in advance of Mount Rainier.

The trail is now less steep, but still going upward. Just about the time you think you might have missed the turn to top Dege Peak, the trail comes to a well-marked junction. It's about .3 mile of steep switchbacks!

The first switchback continues where the Sourdough Ridge Trail left off...moderately uphill. The rest of the switchbacks will take your breath away, with both from the views and the effort. Rocks become the trailbed for the middle switchbacks while loose rocks could cause some difficulty on the trail just before reaching the top.

The top of Dege Peak is a magnificent collection of large rocks ready to assist you in taking a break after the long uphill climb. Take time to look in all directions. With a magnifying device, find the Mount Fremont Lookout and be glad you aren't there with dozens of others. The view from Dege is superior, but considerably less popular. If the top is crowded, there is an excellent viewpoint on the next to last switchback, facing west toward Mount Rainier and Sunrise.

As an avid Mount Rainier visitor, I avoid Paradise at all costs. Those costs include adding additional mileage to hikes, if needed. To get to the Paradise Glacier Trail, I parked at the Reflection Lakes, planning to complete the lake loop if Mount Rainier was covered in clouds. Fortunately, the skies were clear and I completed the less-than-eight mile round trip loop in about four hours. 

Starting out from the lakes means some immediate elevation gain. I prefer a clockwise route, with the “stairs” portion of the trail as my ending, not my beginning. If clockwise is your plan, too, find the Lakes Trail as it goes north on the west side of the largest Reflection Lake, branching off of the Wonderland Trail. The trail immediately gets steep, then moderates in a meadow, followed by an incredibly steep portion all the way to the junction with the High Lakes Trail (also called the Lakes High Trail). 

Before continuing on, check on the cloud cover. Continue northwest on the Lakes Trail for about 200 feet. A view of Mount Rainier will appear on the right side of the trail. Gauge the cloud cover. If you don’t see Mount Rainier from here, don’t bother going all the way to the Paradise Glacier Trail!

Return to the junction and head east on the High Lakes Trail. The trail gets moderately steep again and stays that way for about ¼ mile. This is mostly in the forest, with some potential wildflower spots. Noise from the Paradise Valley Road might inundate your ear drums. Finally, the trail summits, and begins a downward trend, mostly along easy trail, but punctuated by a few steeper portions. Wildflower meadows open up, along with views of the Tatoosh Range. Cross one small streambed in the midst of flowers. Keep going and cross a large, usually dry, streambed that could be trouble early or late in the season. Climb out of this gully and cross another meadow before reaching the junction with the eastern portion of the Lakes Trail. 

Choice time! If Mount Rainier is clear or you simply want a longer hike, go left (north) toward Paradise. If the weather is cloudy on Mount Rainier or a shorter hike is intended, go right (south) toward the Reflection Lakes. 

Hopefully the weather is cooperative. Going left is a “back way” to the Skyline Trail. Fortunately, the views and flowers (in season) are awesome for the next 1.2 miles before the Skyline Trail junction, and the rapid influx of hikers. 

First, the trail drops gently and then climbs steadily in forest cover to a small lake. The trail climbs from the lake and it’s clear that views are coming. Finally, the trail pulls out of the forest into a wide, meadow with a clear view of Mount Rainier. The trail dips out of the meadow and into light forest cover as it climbs more gently, but still steadily. Rest assured, after a bit more incline and forest patches full views of Mount Rainier become nearly endless across either rocky fields or flower-filled meadows all the way to the junction. 

Choice time again. The Skyline Trail junction is a good turn around point if the views so far have met expectations. The views ahead are great, but the effort also increases since the gentle uphill journey along the Lakes Trail becomes a moderate climb if going north on the Skyline Trail. 

If the temptation of more views is overwhelming, go right on the Skyline Trail (avoid going left and steeply downhill). The trail quickly begins to gain elevation as it turns from easterly to northerly. In less than half a mile, the trail reaches another junction at the Stevens Monument. This is also a spot to “look over the edge” on the left side of the trail to Sluiskin Falls, which might be impressive early in the season, but not so much at the end of July.

Is it time to turn around? For most, this is an excellent place to turn and head back toward the starting point. If you are up to it, though, the ¾ mile journey to the end of the Paradise Glacier Trail might be worth the effort. Early in the season be prepared for snow (if you haven’t already encountered any). Begin with going up at a moderate rate across loose rocks. Generally the whole trail is loose rocks with occasional breaks. 

After this meadow-free area, the flowers return as the trail twists and turns up the valley toward Mount Rainier, or, more specifically, Little Tahoma. After a little summit, the trail drops a scant to a tarn, which, depending on the time of year, might be surrounded by a light dose of flowers. A side trail heads east from here. Upon exploration, views down to a rumbling Stevens Creek can be obtained in addition to ravishing views of Mount Rainier. Try it out carefully as the edge is a sharp drop! 

Back on the main trail, continue northeast toward Little Tahoma. The meadows are mostly gone now, and the landscape changes to barren dirt and rock. It’s quite spectacular. First the trail drops into the valley, then up steeply on the far side. It follows the low ridge, then bends left toward Mount Rainier. Abruptly the “End of Maintained Trail” appears. A trail, though faint, continues if something more intense is on your list. Most are ready to turn around at this point, over 4 miles from the Reflection Lakes. 

On the way back to the High Lakes Trail junction, take in all the views you missed on the way uphill. There will be many! Don’t forget to turn around and check out Mount Rainier frequently. A different time of day means different lighting angles. 

At the High Lakes Trail junction, either turn right and retrace the earlier route, or go forward to complete the loop. 

For the loop, the trail drops suddenly, using erosion steps. After a few turns of the trail, the route levels out briefly along the shore of a small lake. Immediately after the lake, arrive at Faraway Rock. Just like the name, views are far and wide down to the lakes and up to the Tatoosh Range. Spend some time here and enjoy it. 

Now it’s time to get to steppin’, literally. The entire trail from the High Lakes junction to the Stevens Canyon Road is at least 90% erosion steps. And steep ones, at times. Take it easy if they aren’t normally your thing. Or take it fast if they are your thing. The only interruption (no views along this trail) is a rocky (normally) dry creek crossing that has no bridge (this is the same dry creek as earlier on the High Lakes Trail). Early in this season this could be a tough crossing. After pulling out of the creekbed, the trail rises and then immediately begins to drop again, all the way to the junction with the Wonderland Trail. 

At the trail junction, go forward, continuing toward the Reflection Lakes. It's a short and gentle uphill walk before the trail pops out adjacent to the Stevens Canyon Road and next to the smaller (east) Reflection Lake. Follow the road to return to your car. 

One caption typo: none of the photos were taken from the Glacier Basin Trail... should be listed as the Paradise Glacier Trail 😁

If you are looking for a hike that is still good even if Mount Rainier is clouded over, Berkeley Park is your hike. The good news is, if the clouds clear off, you can take advantage of views of Mount Rainier along the route between Frozen Lake and Sunrise.
Start the trek at the Sunrise parking lot. There are various ways to travel to Frozen Lake, so plan ahead and decide which route works best for you. The longest route would involve the Sunrise Rim Trail to 1st Burroughs Mountain (a lofty trip and view, to say the least), followed by taking the Burroughs Mountain Trail east. Most people will choose the Sourdough Ridge (Super) Trail. Two other options are combining the Sunrise Rim and Wonderland Trails or the Service Road and Wonderland Trail. 

Whichever way is chosen, from Frozen Lake’s five-way junction, go east on the Wonderland Trail. Most visitors to Frozen Lake are either making a loop back to Sunrise, heading to Mount Fremont Lookout, or heading west to one of the Burroughs Mountains. That leaves the Wonderland Trail the loneliest route. 

Going west and downhill, there could be plenty of chatter from the other nearby trails. The route up Burroughs is tough, and the voices of travelers echo down into the valley. The Mount Fremont Trail tends to tempt tourist hikers who are a little noisier than experienced hikers who enjoy the peace and quiet. Either way, though, you will find some solace as the trail passes through light meadows where goats often spend time along with marmots and pikas. The trail passes through a gap and continues to drop, now at a steeper pitch. Go through another gap and you will want to remember this portion for the return trip as it is probably the steepest of the entire trip. After this drop, the trail levels out at the Wonderland Trail/Northern Loop Trail junction. 

Go forward, going downhill gently at first, before passing through a small scattering of trees and then the trail picks up where it left off before the junction with another moderate downhill slant. This is marmot country, so go slow if you want to catch a view of them. The trail makes a long curve to reach the bottom of the hillside. The trail is laid out with no obstructions, so there are no surprises!

Finally, at the bottom, meadows surround the trail. Lodi Creek joins the view (on the right) after the trail settles down in the valley. The flowers are most prominent near the creek, but, in season, they are wall-to-wall. This is a great place to see flowers and avoid hoards of people. The creek gives the sound as though you are listening to ASMR. While the trail continues downhill, it won’t matter much since the views everywhere are enough to keep your mind wandering on both the downhill and uphill journey. Skyscraper Mountain is on the left (and, at certain points the Skyscraper Pass is also visible up a deep cut in the mountain). On the right, Mount Fremont provides rocky terrain. Berkeley Camp is close when Mount Fremont Lookout is visible, perched nearly 2000 feet above. 

The camp is just inside the forest that is the northern boundary of Berkeley Park. On the left are a few campsites, on the right a trail goes up to the toilet, and just ahead lies another campsite. Unless the plan is to go all the way to Grand Park (a LONG round trip), there isn't much benefit to trekking beyond the camp.

Watch and listen for goats, marmots, and pika along most of the route. Save energy for the return trip since it's almost all uphill at varying degrees until dropping back to Sunrise.

More information coming soon... but flowers now!

A pre-planned trip on July 23rd ended up being "saved" by a trip to Strawberry Lake since clouds had fully enveloped the Strawberry Mountain Lookout site and Mount St. Helens itself was only barely visible due to cloud cover. I decided to do a full write up of the trip plus what a trip to the Strawberry Mountain Lookout site would include.

Here's the trail description:

Sometimes getting away from the crowds is a high priority. Visitors to Strawberry Mountain will likely achieve this goal since it’s out of the way, but has stupendous opportunities, especially if the skies are clear. 

To access the Strawberry Mountain area, find Forest Road 25 between Randle and Wakepish (Forest Road 99 junction). Forest Road 2516 goes westbound from Road 25, less than two miles north of the Forest Road 99 junction. Once on the road, there is a sign indicating the Strawberry Mountain Trailhead is 6 miles ahead. In about ¼ mile the paved one lane road turns to gravel. 

Drive this route, through various conditions, for the full six miles. There is one turn needed at an unmarked junction; go right. There are views along the road toward Mount Rainier (if the skies are clear) and dispersed camping sites. About one mile from the road-end trailhead, ruts and rocky portions might frustrate your car. It is still drivable by most vehicles if patient.

The road technically ends at the trailhead, but an inferior road (labeled “069” on some maps) goes left and uphill. Avoid driving this route and instead park in the wide parking area between the display sign for the Strawberry Mountain Lookout (left) and the sign indicating distances northbound on the Strawberry Mountain Trail (right). 

This trailhead is a junction of three trails. The north/south trail is the Strawberry Mountain Trail (#220), which runs from Road 99 near Bear Meadow on the south to the National Forest Boundary near Road 26 on the north. The westbound unnamed trail is the route to the Strawberry Mountain Viewpoint, Strawberry Lake, and access to a loop trail to the Strawberry Mountain Lookout site. 

The out-and-back way to the Strawberry Mountain Lookout site is done by hiking up “Road 069” a few hundred feet and turning right on an easy-to-spot forest trail. Cut steeply up through the forest until coming to an abrupt clearing in a little over ½ mile. A left turn on the trail will keep you going toward Bear Meadow (a little over 2 miles away). A right turn will take you steeply up a few feet to an open field below the lookout with wildflowers, in season. The view from this point is pretty amazing (especially of Adams and St. Helens), but if you have the energy, you should continue to the top of the mountain. 

Find a STEEP sandy trail at the northern end of the meadow that goes west and UP. The trail is easy to follow, but difficult to navigate due to the unstable soil. If you are able to make your way up this short and steep slope, the trail gets much better and continues through light brush to the top of the peak in only 500 or so linear feet (200 vertical feet). 

Views from the top are in all directions, but especially open to the east and south. Views to the north are between some tall trees. St. Helens, Adams, Hood (maybe), Rainier, and the Mount Margaret Backcountry are all visible. Remnants of the old lookout remain if you scour the ground in the flat areas. 

Now to the viewpoint and lake trail. The easily visible, yet unsigned, trail goes west from the trailhead through wildflowers, in season. This is the roadbed of the Road 2516, which used to continue all the way to the viewpoint. As you hike, you will find out why the forest service abandoned the route for autos. The entire route can be brushy in areas, so be prepared to part the branches to make your way down the well-defined trail. 

The first challenge of the route in a significant rock fall. Most of the time it’s easy to cross, but if rocks have fallen recently you may have to fumble up and over them. Next, a few gullies may make hikers nervous, especially after recent rains. The good news is the gullies aren’t THAT deep, so even a slip on the trail is probably not something that will end the journey.

In about a ½ mile, the trail rounds a point that was a junction with a downhill forest road. The old route is actually traceable through the volcano-damaged landscape as it makes its way downhill.

The trail turns more southerly from here, with views toward Mount Margaret, Ryan Lake, and the Green River Valley. Look up valley to get glimpses of Mount St. Helens. Soon, the trail crosses into the national monument, which may or may not be signed. There is a difficult-to-spot junction about a mile from the trailhead. For those traveling to Strawberry Lake, a rocky trail drops from one old roadbed to another. It’s likely you will pass this connector and have to retrace your steps, but that’s OK, because everyone should go check out the view from the Strawberry Mountain Viewpoint. 

The viewpoint is uphill a bit, so follow the roadbed and around brush that has developed to find the display board highlighting the “damages” done to the forest by Mount St. Helens’ 1980 eruption. It’s about 12 miles to the mountain from here and yet the eruption still had a major impact. 

A choice must be made now. Either head to Strawberry Lake, climb to the Strawberry Mountain Lookout site, or retrace your steps back to the end of Road 2516 and your vehicle. 

Energetic folks who want to get some mileage out of their hike will continue with a visit to Strawberry Lake. This is also a good destination if the skies are cloudy and the mountains hidden. Find the previously-mentioned rocky connector trail, only a few hundred feet away from the Strawberry Mountain Viewpoint. Once at the bottom of this slope, the road-turned-trail starts curving from southbound to eastbound. After a short distance, a detour off the roadbed is needed. The brushy and sandy route takes hikers up a gully in order to cross safely. This is the sketchiest portion of the route. Take it slow and you’ll be fine. There are other gullies to cross, but after treading a little over a mile from the Strawberry Mountain Viewpoint, the trail bends south, going off the roadbed, and steeply uphill. The trail levels out in an eruption-created clearing, and then begins to drop. Strawberry Lake should be visible dead-head, surrounded by brush and dead trees. Find a place to relax and decide which way you will return to the car, the way you came, or via the Strawberry Mountain Lookout site.  

If you are ready to make a loop via the Strawberry Mountain Lookout site, return to the Strawberry Mountain Viewpoint display board. From here, turn around and trace the route up the mountain. Since Mt. St. Helens’ eruption wiped out pretty much everything on this side of Strawberry Mountain, it’s easy to see the logging-road-turned-trail you’ll follow to gain the elevation to get to the lookout site. If you’re ready, go north out of the former parking lot along a wide shelf that was the road. There may or may not be a visible trail since weeds and flowers tend to cover this lightly-used route. 

After a steep stretch of about 500 feet, the road plateaus at the edge of the monument. The road/trail now swings easterly, and becomes steeper than it was. The next few hundred feet will take your breath away. Thankfully, the steepness moderates and, since the route is easily visible, it is easy to muster the energy to complete the less than 2000 linear feet to access the previously-mentioned wildflower field below the lookout. Whew, that ½ mile or so is tough, but the reward is substantial. Plus, a loop hike is much better than an out-and-back :) 

Special note: in season, wild berries, including strawberries, line the exposed portions of these trails. Berry lovers, rejoice! 

I did the wonderland loop in 3 days starting from longmire. Got to south Mowich river camp night 1, 30.5 miles 8,700’ vert recorded.

I took the spray park alternate day 2 and ended the day at sunrise camp 26.2 miles 10,055 vert.

I finished day 3 at longmire at 10:30pm, 36 miles and 7,800’ vert.

I was a little sleep deprived driving in which didn’t help. The elevation gain had me feeling beat, but it was beautiful out. Trail in good shape mostly, rough in a few spots.